Superstition
Famous Arizona mountain
Superstition is belief in supernatural causation—that certain actions, objects, or circumstances bring good or bad luck independent of any logical connection.
Breaking a mirror invites seven years of misfortune; a black cat crossing your path portends trouble; knocking on wood wards off jinxes.
Superstitions persist even among people who don't consciously believe them: I'm not superstitious, but I'm not walking under that ladder.
The word often carries dismissive connotations, implying the belief is irrational or primitive.
Dark-coated feline
- broken mirrorDamaged reflective pane
- ladderPortable climbing frame
- saltSodium chloride compound
- horseshoeCurved metal hoof protector
four-leaf clover · rabbit foot · evil eye · curse · jinx · hex · omen · portent
Ambitious thane's downfall
- Scottish playTheatrical euphemism for Macbeth
- peacock feathersOrnamental bird display plumage
- break a legTheatrical good luck phrase
- good luckFavorable chance or fortune
bad luck · opening night · green room · mirror · stage fright
Ceremonial set of actions
- lucky numberDigit believed auspicious
- unlucky thirteenSupposedly cursed numeral
- Friday the 13thDate considered ill-omened
- crossed fingersSuperstitious hope gesture
blessing · warding · spitting · stepping on crack · beginner luck · blowing candles · wishbone · coin toss
Palm-shaped protective amulet
- dreamcatcherHoop-and-web sleep amulet
- feng shuiChinese placement philosophy
- number fourThe digit after three
- number eightThe digit past seven
red envelope · white elephant · crow · owl · raven · albatross · snake · spider
Inverted hat for luck
- lucky jerseyGarment believed to bring fortune
- playoff beardSuperstitious postseason facial growth
- hot handSustained scoring success
- streakUnbroken series
slump · mojo · voodoo · hex · championship drought
black cat
Dark-coated feline
- broken mirrorDamaged reflective pane
- ladderPortable climbing frame
- saltSodium chloride compound
horseshoe · four-leaf clover · rabbit foot · evil eye · curse · jinx · hex · omen · portent · amulet
Macbeth
Ambitious thane's downfall
- Scottish playTheatrical euphemism for Macbeth
- peacock feathersOrnamental bird display plumage
- break a legTheatrical good luck phrase
good luck · bad luck · opening night · green room · mirror · stage fright
ritual
Ceremonial set of actions
- lucky numberDigit believed auspicious
- unlucky thirteenSupposedly cursed numeral
- Friday the 13thDate considered ill-omened
crossed fingers · blessing · warding · spitting · stepping on crack · beginner luck · blowing candles · wishbone · coin toss · lucky penny
hamsa
Palm-shaped protective amulet
- dreamcatcherHoop-and-web sleep amulet
- feng shuiChinese placement philosophy
- number fourThe digit after three
number eight · red envelope · white elephant · crow · owl · raven · albatross · snake · spider · lunar eclipse
rally cap
Inverted hat for luck
- lucky jerseyGarment believed to bring fortune
- playoff beardSuperstitious postseason facial growth
- hot handSustained scoring success
- Ingersoll
- Dance HitsStayin Alive, Good Times, Le Freak, September, I Will Survive
- Syfy ShowsBattlestar Galactica, Eureka, Farscape, Defiance, Alphas
- Scotch WhiskyHighland Park, single malt, sherry cask, bourbon barrel
- Wilderness AreasOkefenokee, Holy Cross, Wind River
Superstitionscience
Systematic study through observation
reason · rationality · empiricism · logic · skepticism
Superstitionreligion
System of spiritual belief
faith · doctrine · orthodoxy · theology · organized religion
SuperstitionJohn Denver
- superstitious beliefFaith in luck or omens